Mbappe Hit 'Rock Bottom' with Missed Penalty at Bilbao

Soccer Football - LaLiga - Athletic Bilbao v Real Madrid - San Mames, Bilbao, Spain - December 4, 2024 Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe before taking a penalty kick REUTERS/Vincent West/ File Photo
Soccer Football - LaLiga - Athletic Bilbao v Real Madrid - San Mames, Bilbao, Spain - December 4, 2024 Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe before taking a penalty kick REUTERS/Vincent West/ File Photo
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Mbappe Hit 'Rock Bottom' with Missed Penalty at Bilbao

Soccer Football - LaLiga - Athletic Bilbao v Real Madrid - San Mames, Bilbao, Spain - December 4, 2024 Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe before taking a penalty kick REUTERS/Vincent West/ File Photo
Soccer Football - LaLiga - Athletic Bilbao v Real Madrid - San Mames, Bilbao, Spain - December 4, 2024 Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe before taking a penalty kick REUTERS/Vincent West/ File Photo

Kylian Mbappe hit "rock bottom" with a penalty miss at Athletic Bilbao earlier this month as he struggled to adapt to his new surroundings at Real Madrid but the French forward said he used that disappointment to fuel his recent return to form.

Mbappe left Paris St Germain in the close season as the French club's all-time top scorer but his move to Real has been plagued by teething problems, while a hamstring injury and a thigh issue have also hampered his settling-in time.

However, since missing his second penalty in a week in a 2-1 loss at Bilbao Mbappe has scored four goals in all competitions, including the opener in Sunday's 4-2 LaLiga win over Sevilla, according to Reuters.

"I took a lot of positives from the Bilbao game. I hit rock bottom," he told Real Madrid TV. "I missed a penalty and I realised at that moment I have to give my all for this shirt and play with personality."

Mbappe now has 10 goals in 16 league appearances, helping Real end the calendar year second in the table, just a point behind leaders Atletico Madrid.

"I can score a lot more, I know I have a lot more to give. The last few games I've played better," he said.

"I think we now know each other better. I've joined the team and that changed a lot of things. The settling-in period is over, as the coach says. I feel very comfortable in the team and I play better with the others on the pitch."

Real next travel to face Valencia in LaLiga on Jan. 3.



Madinah Equestrian Field Announces Women's Racing Round

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA
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Madinah Equestrian Field Announces Women's Racing Round

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA

The equestrian field in Madinah has announced a dedicated round for women riders as part of its 2024 horse racing program. The event will be held on Friday, January 3.
Women riders interested in participating are encouraged to register their data through the Madinah equestrian field's website before December 31, SPA reported.

Participants should familiarize themselves with the safety conditions and guidelines outlined for the race.
The competition will feature 10 selected women riders competing in a 600-meter race on the horse racing track, located 60 km east of Madinah.